Buchollie Castle

Also known as Bucholly, the Castle stands on a peninsula 100ft high and is still an imposing structure. The castle is not visable from the road and so most people are unaware of its existance. It is located 5 miles south of Duncansby Head on a narrow promontory separated from the mainland by a trench 7ft wide and 9ft deep. The greater part of the facade of the keep is still standing. An entrance passage 4.5ft wide gave access to a long narrow courtyard flanked by buildings.

Should an attacking force have made it as far as the entrance they would find themselves in a long passage about 4ft wide with a locked gate at the other end! The corridor was protected by the keep and high battlements so anyone within would be an easy target for the castle defenders. A very effective 'killing zone'. Surrounding the courtyard the remains of outbuildings can be seen and would have included stores, chapel, workshouses, offices, stables, armoury and accommodation.

An earlier fortress called Lamaborg was built on the site by Sweyn Asliefson thr notorious pirate and robber in about 1140. Swyen was the younger brother of Gunni from whom Clan Gunn is descended. From Sweyn descended the Swanson family name. The Mowat family were granted Lambaborg and the lands of Freswick from King Robert the Bruce (1306-29). The Mowat's remodelled the castle and renamed it Bucholie Castle after their estate in Aberdeen. It remained in their possession until 1661 when it passed to the Sinclairs after which is fell into disrepair.

The castle site is a dangerous one, a tangible reminder of it's suitability as a defensive structure, access is across a narrow strip of land 4ft wide with 100ft drops on either side.